Canon Optura 600 4.3MP MiniDV Camcorder w/10x Optical Zoom

by Canon

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 7.6 x 7.6 x 6.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4 pounds
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B000A3WRZI
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #18,242 in Camera & Photo (See Top 100 in Camera & Photo)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: July 28, 2005

Product Description

From the Manufacturer

The Canon Optura 600 delivers a superior level of performance in a luxurious, upright, sculpted design. And, with its 4.3-megapixel image sensor, advanced photo features, and superior Canon optics, you get incredible video and photos. It's a versatile performer for those with a truly versatile lifestyle.

True Widescreen Video
You want your memories to last forever--that's why you've taken the time to shoot them. And you want to shoot in widescreen format to get everything you can out of your new widescreen TV or home theater system.

The Optura 600 uses the entire width of its image sensor to capture video in true 16:9 format.

So why is the way you record widescreen images so important? Because you want an image made for widescreen, not adapted for widescreen. Widescreen is the future--every HD television is widescreen.

The story of how we do it may be a bit technical, but the result is clear to see. Canon camcorders use the entire width of its image sensor to capture your precious video in true 16:9 format. What difference does that make? It's simple. With more pixels captured, you get better image quality. Other camcorders force the wider picture into a smaller space on the sensor--giving you a less true image, with fewer pixels and lower quality. On a Canon camcorder, the canals of Venice will be as grand as you remembered seeing them.

In addition, the viewfinder on your Optura 600 will display the image in a "letterbox" view--from side to side and top to bottom, what you see will be what you get. No guessing and extra work, looking at an image that's distorted like a fun house mirror. You can also use the widescreen feature in both Program Mode and Easy Recording Mode and can be used along with the camcorder's advanced image stabilization.

Optical Performance You Can See
The Optura 600 comes with a 10x optical zoom lens, precisely matched to the camcorder's CCD and featuring a unique spectral coating to reduce flare and ghosting. Combined with the camcorder's 200x digital zoom, the lens gives an impressive range of focal lengths, ensuring you never miss the shots you want.

With image stabilization (top) and without

Image Stabilization: Canon's Advanced Image Stabilization also ensures unsurpassed optical performance--whether you're shooting sporting events, evenings out with friends, or capturing the perfect vacation memory at a long focal length. Thanks to Canon's superior electronic expertise, the Optura 600's built-in high-quality image stabilizer allows you to shoot rock-steady video, even when you're at maximum telephoto without a tripod. It even works while panning and zooming.

Megapixel CCD
The Optura 600 features a class-leading 4.3-megapixel CCD along with an RGB primary color filter to deliver crisp images with stunning true-to-life color. Other camcorders process color using a standard CMYG filter, resulting in duller colors. Canon's RGB filter separates light into its red, green, and blue components, resulting in professional-quality images with natural-looking tones and vivid hues. Together, the 4.3-megapixel CCD and RGB color filter deliver uncompromisingly brilliant results.

Digic DV
Because Canon's exclusive Digic DV signal processing circuit processes video and still images differently, you get uncompromising image quality for both. Video and still images have different color requirements and Digic DV technology processes the two signals accordingly. That means your video images are maximized for viewing on monitors and for projection. Digic DV is just one of Canon's DV Photo Plus technologies that help to unleash the performance potential of the Optura 600.

Night Mode brings out low-light detail other camcorders miss.

Low-Light Performance
Dinner with friends, evening festivals, late-night excursions--now you can capture them all thanks to Optura 600's low-light performance. With the Night Mode, the sensitivity of the camera's CCD is automatically boosted and the shutter speed is lowered to give you better performance in low-light conditions.

In SuperNight mode, your camcorder's white LED assist lamp lights up whenever light levels fall too low. And, in Night Plus Mode, you can keep the camcorder's LED lamp on continuously, for shooting under the most demanding conditions.

For the times when even Night Plus Mode isn't enough, the Optura 600 comes with a built-in Mini Video Light. Approximately 4x brighter than the camcorder's LED assist lamp, this light lets you shoot color in low light conditions at distances up to 4.9 feet.

Stunning Digital Photography
The timeless style of the Optura S1 is perfectly matched with superior photographic features.

The Optura 600's 4.3 MP CCD and RGB color filter produce stunning, true-to-life tones.

Digital still features include:

• Digic DV
• Simultaneous photo recording lets you capture e-mail ready digital photos to a memory card while you record video
• Auto-exposure dial with 12 shooting modes, including Portrait, Sports, Night, Snow, Beach, Sunset, Spotlight and Fireworks
• Four image settings, including Vivid, Neutral, Low Sharpening, and Soft Skin Detail
• Nine-point auto intelligent autofocus (AiAF)
• Continuous shooting mode
• Photo review button
• Stitch Assist software

Share Your Video
Your Optura 600 comes with a variety of features that make it fast and easy to share your video.

Firewire/IEEE 1394 DV Terminal
Otherwise known as Firewire or iLink, the Optura 600's IEEE 1394 DV Terminal is a high-speed digital interface that ensures virtually no loss of video or audio quality when transferring videos to a computer. Simply use a DV cable to connect the camcorder to your computer's DV Terminal and you can be sure that your favorite, recorded moments retain their pristine image and sound.

Motion JPEG Mode
With the Optura 600's Motion JPEG Mode you can record movie clips directly to the camcorder's memory card, transfer it to your computer, and e-mail or stream it over the web. When using an SD Memory Card, you can also record for the full length of the card. That's a 60-minute movie with a 512MB card. (With MultiMedia Cards, movie clips are limited to 10 seconds in 320 x 240 resolution, and 30 seconds in 160 x 120.)

Analog Line-In/Converter
By using audio/video cables (composite) or S-Video, it's possible to send an analog video signal from your TV, VCR, or a camcorder into the Optura 600 and record it onto DV. Similarly, you can output an analog signal via composite or S-Video cables to an analog device such as a TV or VCR.

Share Your Photos
In addition to its powerful photo-taking capabilities, the Optura 600 makes it easy to share your photos with family and friends.

Print & Share
Print & Share--another of the powerful Canon DV Photo Plus technologies--turns your Optura 600 into a photo lab in the palm of your hand. Simply connect your camcorder directly to select Canon printers or any PictBridge-compatible printer with the supplied USB cable. Then, with nothing more than the touch of the Print and Share button, you can print directly from your Optura 600 without going through a computer. (The same button lets you quickly download images to your computer.) And because the camcorder tags each photo you take with information based on Exif 2.2 Print standards, your printer is able to produce more realistic images. Print and Share also gives you all the printing controls you need, right in your camcorder. Crop and rotate your photos, or choose borderless prints. With the Optura 600's Print and Share capability, no one has to wait to share in the memories.

USB 2.0 High Speed Terminal
Quickly transfer images from the Optura 600 to a computer with the USB 2.0 High Speed Terminal.

SD MultiMedia Card
For portable storage versatility, the Optura 600 can accommodate either a Secure Digital (SD) memory card or a MultiMedia card. Store up to 512 MB worth of photos with resolutions up to 1280 x 960.

What's in the Box
Optura 600 Camcorder Body, Battery Pack BP-308, Compact Power Adapter CA-570S, MTC-100 Multi-AV Cable, Wireless Controller WL-D85, 16MB SD Card, USB Cable IFC-300PCU, Digital Video Solution Disk for Windows & Macintosh, 1 Year Parts and Labor Limited Warranty.

Product Description

Canon Optura 600 Mini-DV camcorder is really two sophisticated products in one. Although it may look like a camcorder on the outside, inside lies a high-quality 4.3 megapixel digital camera with all the features needed to take outstanding photos. The CCD in the Optura 600 camcorder works alongside an RGB Primary Color Filter to deliver crisp, true-to-life images that can be printed up to 8.5x11 inches. It is among the smallest 4.3 megapixel camcorders on the market. Combine all that with the superior optics Canon is known for and you have a powerful digital imaging machine that can capture video and snap stills with equal agility.

The Optura 600 camcorder has all the tools needed to take great digital photos. For accurate exposure, the model lets the user choose the metering and scene mode that's right for the subject or select Auto Exposure Bracketing to ensure they always get the right shot. By combining the 4.3 megapixel CCD image sensor with Superior Canon Optics, a DIGIC DV Image Processor and Print & Share, the Optura 600 takes full advantage of Canon's DV Photo Plus system. The Selectable nine-point AiAF (Auto Intelligent Auto Focus) helps keep the subject in sharp focus and such photo-centric features as Continuous Shooting Mode, Image Effects, and Built-in Flash with Red-Eye Reduction provide the essentials for great digital photography. Simultaneous Photo Recording even allows the user to capture still images while shooting video. For fast and easy one-touch printing of photos virtually anywhere, users connect to any Canon PIXMA, Selphy or CP series photo printer, or any PictBridge enabled printer and simply press the Optura 600 camcorder's Print & Share button and they're good to go. The button can also be used for one-touch downloading of images to a computer. The camcorder features an SD Memory Card slot as well as a USB 2.0 Hi-Speed Terminal for speedy transfers of high-res images.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

63 of 64 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A great all-around camera/camcorder, November 14, 2005

By 

JEM (Seattle, WA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Canon Optura 600 4.3MP MiniDV Camcorder w/10x Optical Zoom (Electronics)

In wanting to replace my old (JVC GRDVM90U) camera/camcorder combo, I looked at the Canon Optura 600 and the Sony DCR-PC1000. Consumer Reports claimed high return/defect rates for JVC models, so I steered clear away from purchasing another JVC -- especially since my old camcorder exhibited many of the same issues multiple people have documented in the GRDVM90U's reviews. Besides wanting to stick with MiniDV (for my old tapes' sake), what was most important to me in a replacement camcorder was 1) size, 2) still picture quality, 3) low-light ability, and 4) overall versatility. The Optura 600 delivered impeccably on all fronts. Size-wise, it is the smallest MiniDV camcorder I've seen on the market yet, although the Sony DCR-PC1000 appears to be a close second. What I liked about the Optura more than the Sony, however, was the overall design -- it felt more solid and compact as opposed to small, but long and narrow. I wanted to be able to tote something around fairly easily and unnoticably, and the Optura delivered. It was so small it fit easily in a small purse (along with other small gadgets, ie. phone and Ipod), and large pockets also made for a comfortable home for it. The still picture quality was probably the clincher in my final decision to go with the Optura over the Sony. One thing to note, however, is that the Optura 600 is 4.0MP, *not* 4.3MP. Regardless, its 4.0MP beats Sony's 2.7MP hands-down. Because it was important for me to purchase a camcorder that would also serve the purpose of a digital camera (why have one of each when you can have something that can do both well?), I went for the higher-end Optura. Also, Canon's Elph Series digital cameras have always appeared to deliver consistent, great-quality digital images (practically everyone I know owns some version of the Elph), and I felt more comfortable knowing that Canon's still-camera expertise would translate better to a camcorder combo than Sony's (last I heard Canon didn't manufacture TVs, amplifiers, and PCs, as well). In addition to having a more than adequate low-light function (sometimes, surprisingly, it makes dark shots brighter than desired), it has all the basic functions and features one would expect from a camera of this caliber (ie. special effects, video/picture transfer software, numerous manual and automatic settings, widescreen functionality, all the cables and connectors needed to hook up to your TV and PC, 10x optical zoom, etc.). The one and only thing that I did like better in the Sony was its built-in, retractable lens cover -- I found myself constantly fiddling with the plastic lens cover of the Optura whenever I unexpectedly came across a shot I just *had* to have. Other than that, I'm quite thrilled with my purchase and have not been disappointed yet. Design-wise, yes, it is a bit awkward (depends on the size of your hand and the dexterity of your fingers, really) -- but this thing is tiny, so there has to be some compromise in ergonomics. I've found this to be a minor point, as the Optura's style, design, and overall look more than compromise for the slight awkwardness that really only takes a little getting used to. I often get many comments from strangers in awe of it whenever I take it out to capture a moment, and that alone is almost enough to overlook its minor faults.

19 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Worth the upgrade, March 6, 2006

By 

Bruce E. Wampler (Glenwood Springs, CO USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Canon Optura 600 4.3MP MiniDV Camcorder w/10x Optical Zoom (Electronics)

I've been using a Canon Elura 2 for several years now, and have been amazed that it has taken so long to produce a better camcorder in the same small package. For a long time, the smallest camcorders have been bigger than the Elura 2. Finally, the Optura 600 is a worthwhile upgrade. Better video quality, better lens, better semi-pro features (exposure, etc.), full anamorphic 16:9, external mic input, and a great still camera mode.

I've always liked the smallest camcorder available on the theory that if you don't have it with you, you can't take the videos. The Optura 600 is small, and really packs in the features.

I did some extensive still photo comparisons with the Optura 600 still camera and my Canon Elph 500 (5 megapixels). Other than a slightly different color balance, it was nearly impossible to tell any significant difference. I also compared Super Fine vs. Fine mode, and actually thought the Fine mode had slightly better image quality. Just because the file size is bigger doesn't mean that the resultant photo is any better. I'd recommend you try the comparison yourself, but my choice is to keep it in Fine mode and not use the full SuperFine mode. This is a really great feature of the Optura 600 because you can really leave your digital still camera behind (which usually only have 3x or 4x optical zoom) and use the very nice 10x optical zoom.

For anyone who has any intent of editing, miniDV tape is much better than miniDVD. The quality (and bitrate) is far better, and most editing software works much better with this format. And shoot your videos in 16:9. Even if you don't have a widescreen TV now, you will before you know it, and you'll appreciate the fact your videos are in the modern format. The Optura 600 uses the whole image sensor for 16:9, so you aren't losing any image quality.

My main complaint is the lack of an external battery charger, but this seems to be the trend these days. It is amazing that they can fit the battery charging logic into the camcorder body, but I really like to have an external charger to charge one battery while I use a second. You can get one for under $30, but they really ought to give you one in the package.

(All the comments about it being uncomfortable to hold seem to fail to take into account that this is a small camera. The hand hold design is the same as the old Elura 2 - you hold it at an angle with your thumb on the record button, and your index or middle finger on the zoom. Your ring and little finger wrap around the front. With the great new still camera mode, I find it better to use the middle finger for zoom and the index finger for the shutter release. But the design works as well as you could hope for in such a small camera. Left handed folks may have a bit more trouble, but that is true for most camcorders.)

If you've been waiting to upgrade your camcorder, this is a good choice. You'll get great MiniDV quality (suitable for editing to high quality DVD) and a really great still camera in one package. The video will look good on HD widescreen TVs. Maybe in a few years high def camcorders will be small, cheap, and easy to edit and produce to HD-DVD, but for now, this is much more practical, and will give you very good quality video. And it is so small, you might actually take it with you.

Update: I just took this camera on vacation, and I love it even more. I carried only this camera most of the time, and could take both video and photos as needed. While the still camera takes great pictures, it is a bit slow on startup and between picture cycle time. Also, there is a noticible lag between pushing the button and taking the photo, so it is critical to use the "push the button down half-way" feature to pre-focus. If you do this, then there is no delay. But it was just fantastic to have the 10x lens, and a great photo and video camera in one small unit.

25 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Nice and Compact...but not for everyone, December 18, 2005

By 

R. Janardhanan - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Canon Optura 600 4.3MP MiniDV Camcorder w/10x Optical Zoom (Electronics)

I have used this camera only for a day or two. Picture quality is really good. The photo quality is great, almost as good as a stand alone digital camera.
This camera is ideal for someone with small hand size. Otherwise please try it before you buy. The hand strap can be VERY uncomfortable. I have already felt it on the first day of use.
Not a great feel to hold it. Other than that no major complaints so far.
Please do not buy the SC 2000 case from Canon. That case is way too big for this tiny camera.